If you are put off by lengthy works then start with Snow Crash. If you like getting lost in a long story start with Cryptonomicon. If you want to invest in a LONG work then I highly recommend The Baroque Cycle (Quicksilver, The Confusion, System of the World). There are several Neal Stephenson essays that are quite good. Also be sure to visit his web site, www.nealstephenson.com.

I suggest starting with one of the following: The Shining, The Stand (long book), Bag of Bones (long book) or The Dead Zone. If you like these then you'll like most of Mr. King's work.